The Rutgers defensive tackle, who remains paralyzed from the neck down, is leaving the Kessler Institute in West Orange, N.J., to live with his aunt in Jackson, N.J.
“This is an exciting day for me to return to living with family,” LeGrand said in a statement issued through Rutgers. “My family and I can’t thank Kessler enough for all of the tremendous care and support I received as I continue rehab from my injury. It has meant so much to me to receive so many well wishes and prayers from everyone.”
His rehabilitation will continue as an outpatient. He will go to the Kessler Rehabilitation Center in Ocean Township (N.J.) twice a week, and travel to the Kessler Institute in West Orange once a week.
The tracheotomy was removed last week.
LeGrand was injured while making a tackle in the fourth quarter against Army on Oct. 16, 2010. He spent five weeks at Hackensack Medical Center before being transported to the Kessler Institute for rehabilitation.
LeGrand celebrated the news earlier in the day on his Facebook page.
“Just left Kessler for good and heading down to my aunt's, starting a new chapter! I will be back at Rutgers soon, hope to see you all, come and visit. God Bless,” he wrote on his Facebook wall.
LeGrand has made several public appearances in the last few months, including attending Rutgers’ Pro Day earlier this month and the “Laugh to Heal Comedy Fest” hosted by Bill Bellamy in February.
LeGrand has also resumed his schoolwork, taking an Africana Studies class via video conferencing. Last month it was reported he felt “full sensation” throughout his body.
For information on how to contribute to the “Eric LeGrand Believe Fund”;, please visit www.ScarletKnights.com/Believe.
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